– Anyone who believes that a seven-time Formula 1 world champion has seen everything there is to see with four wheels and an engine after more than 300 Grand Prix is gravely mistaken. Of all people, Lewis Hamilton, who is used to the technological spearhead of motorsport on the racetracks of this world, is causing a stir off the paddock.
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In a clip published on YouTube, the Brit swaps his usual cockpit for a US cult vehicle from the 1980s – showing himself as emotional and fascinated as a little boy on Christmas morning.
The scene of this unusual encounter is Los Angeles. Hamilton meets there with a protagonist of the local grassroots scene to fill a gap in his automotive life. “I’ve never seen a real lowrider up close. I only know all this from the internet and television,” the Ferrari driver admits candidly.
In front of him stands a deeply modified 1984 Buick Regal. Repainted, candy look – the classic pride of Chicano culture on the US West Coast.
The owner of the car explains to the prominent guest the philosophy behind the bouncing cars: It’s about a mix of visual competition, the best paint job, but above all the built-in hydraulic system. “It’s a lifestyle,” sums up the mechanic.
Lewis Hamilton out and about in the lowrider
When Hamilton takes a seat in the driver’s seat and is handed the remote control for the hydraulics – the so-called switch box – the professional composure of the racing driver gives way to pure astonishment. One press of a button, and the rear of the Buick suddenly drops while the front stretches to the sky. Hamilton bursts out laughing in disbelief: “This is totally crazy! This is absolutely insane!”
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The fact that these vehicles are not about lap times or aerodynamic efficiency does not bother the 41-year-old at all. On the contrary. When asked by the owner if he wanted to take a lap, Hamilton does not hesitate for a second: “I’m absolutely ready for a joyride.”
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Accompanied by the classic West Coast sounds of rapper Snoop Dogg, the Formula 1 ace visibly enjoys steering the vintage car through Californian traffic.
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“I always want to learn more about the different car cultures around the world. This scene has been on my list for a very long time,” Hamilton summed up the meeting later on his social media channels. It had been a great experience to spend time with people who honor and keep this tradition alive.
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The bizarre encounter of two completely opposite car worlds is also reflected in the community’s feedback. On social networks and in comment sections, the Brit receives a lot of sympathy for his excursion. Numerous fans make amused comparisons to legendary video games.
“Lewis Hamilton just looks like CJ from GTA San Andreas, who just completed his first mission for the Grove Street Families,” jokes a user under the video. Others praise the world champion for staying down-to-earth despite his successes and showing genuine, honest interest in the work of grassroots mechanics instead of just collecting expensive supercars.
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After excursions into the tuning scenes of Tokyo and Miami, Hamilton has certainly proven that his automotive passion goes far beyond the limits of Formula 1.
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